Run The Jewels rapper El-P has defended bandmate Killer Mike, after he defended gun ownership in a divisive interview with the National Rifle Association (NRA).

In the interview, which was broadcast on NRA TV, Mike pointed out the apparent hypocrisy of left-leaning views on gun ownership.

“You can’t continue to be the lackey. You’re a lackey of the progressive movement, because you’ve never disagreed with the people who tell you what to do”, he said.

His comments came only hours before thousands of Americans took part in the March for Life to demand stricter gun control.

2 things i need to say. pic.twitter.com/q8GrxQeWPs

— el-p (@therealelp) March 26, 2018

Now, El-P has defended Mike for the first time and admitted their differences were an integral part of their friendship.

“We know this guy [Mike], he fucking cares”, El-P said.

“He stands up when others can’t or wont. He tries when others don’t. Time and time again. This is a guy who’s made me cry from the power of his words one minute and made me spit whatever liquid I was drinking out of my face as I convulsed the next.”

He later added: “He doesn’t need me to defend him but fuck that here we are and I’m doing that. Because I know the only way to have a perfect track record out there is to never try. And I know we need Mike out there trying, like he always has. Warts and all.”

Killer Mike has also apologised, and said that his decision to sit for the NRA interview was motivated by Martin Luther King’s reputation for engaging in debate with opponents.

I hope this clears some stuff up. Love and Respect to all. Part 1 pic.twitter.com/pq977HEG7A

— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) March 25, 2018

“I sat with people that I might not always agree with”, he explained.

“I sat with a group called the National Rifle Association and I did an interview about black gun ownership in this era.

“That interview was used a week later by NRA TV to disparage a very noble campaign that I actually support.

P2 pic.twitter.com/FigGacJeYM

— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) March 25, 2018

“March For Our Lives is a youth ran leadership. I respect their leadership and I’m sorry guys. I’m sorry that an inteveiw I did about a minority was used as a weapon against you guys.